For my FB friends, you know that I went to the doc today and got a good report. Well, while I was waiting, I noted a few things. 1 - It was stiflingly hot in there. 2 - There are some sad, sad souls in this world that need not only prayer but companionship and love. 3 - A lot of people are just plain mean.
You see, like almost everyone else I know I love to people watch. It was amazing to see thee number of people on crutches, in wheelchairs, or just incapacitated in a general sort of way that had no help and no compassion shown to them. Now granted, the staff at the office are very nice and were always very helpful...to the door of the waiting room. But when you see someone struggling with a door or a jacket or just walking in general, isn't it the right thing to do to offer help? I was amazed at the other people waiting and the complete lack of helpfulness or just plain decency! After helping one lady maneuver the door open I sat down a few seats away from a blind gentleman. He had a beautiful dog with him and I watched the dog admiringly, knowing all that he must do for his owner to help him. I was grateful the man had the dog, as he was obviously totally blind and relied on the dog and his cane heavily. His wife came out shortly, also very obviously blind. The nurse helped her get her jacket on and sat her in a chair so they could wait on their ride. They began to discuss the time, wondering aloud what time it was, nervous about their ride coming. I told them the time, and they were so thankful! We chatted cordially, and then I went back to magazine flipping. The stifling heat finally got the best of them and they decided to wait outside. Now you all know how crazy waiting rooms are...it's like a maze to get to the door sometimes. The man stood and began walking directly towards a row of chairs blocking him in. Having given the dog to his wife and not yet employing his cane, I saw disaster. I looked around at the patients closer to him, sure that someone would step up and BE HUMAN, but everyone just stared, as if watching a car accident about to occur. I jumped up, not to be a hero but to save these poor people from embarrassment and possible injury. I quietly guided them to the outside door. The couple expressed appreciation, and I returned to my seat, noting the avoidance of eye contact the other patients practiced with me. One lady, ONE, leaned towards me and said, "That was so nice of you." I told her that I was only doing what i felt necessary and that wouldn't anyone want the same done for them? "Well, I was just a coward, sitting here burying my face in a book, pretending I didn't notice." Really? You admit that? I guess that's a step, but.....??? Maybe it's because of my own eye problems, hopefully it's because I love Jesus, or maybe I'm just unusual. Who knows. But when I see people struggling with what life has handed them, I cannot sit by and watch them fall over a row of chairs. Not if I can stop it. I am astounded that anyone could.
And yet, I can remember a time when I was 7 or 8 and a very similar situation crossed my path. A few of us from my 2nd grade class were allowed to go next door to the Special Ed class and help with tutoring, playing, reading, etc. What an experience! I can distinctly remember teaching a boy how to write his name, and how excited he was. We had so much fun in there and got an early taste of what it was like to help someone. Thank you Miss Bramen for teaching us to show love to everyone! One day I had gone to the restroom and was washing my hands when a girl from the Special Ed class emerged from one of the stalls, her pants around her ankles. "Can't button, can't button!" Myself and two older girls were all she had for help. I was horrified, intimidated, and scared (I was REALLY shy then) when the older girls began to laugh hysterically at the girl's situation. Somehow the girl ignored the mocking and laughter and continued to plead for help. Finally (after the other girls left, I'm sad to say), I went over and helped the girls with her pants and walked her back to class. Kids are so cruel. But even at that young age I think God placed in me a tenderness to the disabled. Or at least in certain circumstances. God knows there have been people that have probably needed help that I have undoubtedly turned away from. But thankfully God has allowed me to have times I could help. With a smile, with a guiding arm, with a swift buttoning of pants, with helping a blind girl bowl on Saturday mornings, with showing patience when others couldn't or wouldn't, with an Education clinical in a Learning Disabled classroom. I have been blessed to meet and interact with many different people, and it always makes me more thankful for what I have and less bitter for what I don't. My problems seem more insignificant when you have what it takes to help someone else.
So I encourage you all, Help someone today. Make some one's day by helping them across the parking lot, holding the elevator for them, reaching something from a high shelf in the grocery store so they don't have to get out of the annoying scooter, anything. When you realize that God has given you what you need to help someone, it's a little harder to remember what you were complaining about. Just keep your eyes open. Opportunities are out there everyday.
No comments:
Post a Comment